Malta Marauders narrowly lost their opening game of the veterans season 22-17 against Reading Rhinos, the top veterans team in England.
After Reading had comprehensively beaten Stompers in their first tour game on Friday, there was a fear in the doubters camp that Marauders would get blown away by such formidable opposition.
However, against all odds, they produced a fearless display of gutsy and innovative rugby, to keep the score down to within one try and, with a bit more luck with the run of play, could well have run out winners.
In an all-round team performance such as this, it is always difficult to single out individuals.
However, special mention should go to Paul Mangion, making his first appearance for Marauders, together with exceptional performances from Reuben Lanfranco, Simon Vincenti and Brian Miller.
Leo Mifsud (1) and the valid Greg Van Reeven (2) scored the Marauders tries.
Club president Phil Gibbs remarked that even though Marauders had finally lost their three-year unbeaten record on Maltese soil, it was no disgrace to eventually succumb to the best veterans team in England.
The next Marauders games are against Mad Dogs Veterans (tomorrow) and Northampton Men’s Own on April 27.
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